Security Engineer: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Security Engineer do?

A Security Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the security systems and protocols that protect an organization’s computer systems, networks, and data.

They work to safeguard sensitive information from cyber threats, such as hacking, malware, and unauthorized access. Security Engineers conduct risk assessments, develop security policies, and respond to security breaches by investigating and mitigating the impact. They also collaborate with other IT professionals to ensure that security measures are integrated into all aspects of the organization’s technology infrastructure. Their role is crucial in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical data and systems.

Their work is essential in defending against cyber threats, ensuring compliance with security regulations, and protecting the organization’s assets from potential security vulnerabilities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Security Engineers in the Risk Management field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Design and implement security measures to protect computer systems, networks, and data.
• Conduct security assessments, vulnerability testing, and risk analysis to identify potential threats.
• Monitor network traffic and system activity to detect and respond to security incidents.
• Develop and enforce security policies, protocols, and procedures across the organization.
• Investigate security breaches, analyze the impact, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with IT teams to integrate security best practices into system and software development.
• Maintain and update security tools, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
• Provide training and guidance to employees on security awareness and best practices.

How to Become a Security Engineer

Launching a career as a Security Engineer requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in security engineering, network security, or cybersecurity roles.
• Strong understanding of security protocols, encryption, and authentication methods.
• Proficiency in security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms.
• Relevant certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or CompTIA Security+, are highly advantageous.

Requirements & Skills

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think like a hacker to anticipate potential threats.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with IT teams and educate employees on security practices.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of security across all systems.
• Ability to stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies.
• Strong analytical skills to assess and mitigate security risks in a fast-paced environment.

Security Engineer Salary Guide

Wondering what Security Engineers earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Security Engineer in the U.S. is approximately $110,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Security Engineers may receive a wide range of benefits.

Security Engineer Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$137,500
Senior	11+ years	$121,000
Experienced	6-10 years	$110,000
Mid Level	3-5 years	$99,000
Entry Level	0-2 years	$82,500

How to Advance Your Career

Security Engineers can advance to roles such as Senior Security Engineer, Security Architect, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With additional experience and certifications, they may also move into specialized areas such as ethical hacking, penetration testing, or cybersecurity consulting. Continuous professional development and staying updated with emerging security technologies and threats are crucial for career growth in this field, leading to leadership positions within IT security departments or opportunities to work in high-stakes cybersecurity roles.

Typical Work Environment

Security Engineers typically work in office settings within IT departments, technology companies, or cybersecurity firms. The role involves monitoring systems, conducting security assessments, and responding to security incidents. Security Engineers may also work remotely or in a security operations center (SOC) environment. The work can be fast-paced, particularly during security breaches or when responding to new threats. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks, often involving collaboration with other IT professionals and continuous learning to keep up with the latest security trends.